Battery-powered cars take to the track at Hawkeye Downs

Usually a race track can be very noisy, but a much quieter sound came from a race at Hawkeye Downs Speedway on Saturday.

An electric car race, with about 15 electric cars, built and driven by high school students, took to the track.

The goal was to see which battery-powered vehicle finishes the most laps in an hour.

Students were challenged to find some way to maximize the available battery life to get the most laps

"Developing a work ethic and the desire to continue working until you are successful," said Barry Wilson, electric car team advisor. "Never giving up like every other form of automotive competition, you don't quit until that checkered flag flies."

Kennedy High hosted the event, which brought students from Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The goal is to encourage students to apply stem curriculum to real world opportunities.

A Bangladeshi immigrant is expected to appear before a federal magistrate to face terrorism charges accusing him of setting off an explosive strapped to his body in a New York City transportation hub.More >>

A Bangladeshi immigrant is expected to appear before a federal magistrate to face terrorism charges accusing him of setting off an explosive strapped to his body in a New York City transportation hub.More >>